Generation of disclination dipoles and nanoscopic cracks in deformed nanoceramic materials

The processes of generation of disclination dipoles and nanoscopic cracks (nanocracks) in deformed nanoceramic materials are investigated theoretically. It is demonstrated that disclination dipoles are formed at grain boundaries in the course of grain-boundary sliding. The geometric features of the generation of disclination dipoles are analyzed. The conditions under which the nucleation of nanocracks in the vicinity of the disclination dipoles is energetically favorable are calculated for the nanoceramic materials α-Al₂O₃ (corundum) and 3C-SiC (the cubic phase of silicon carbide). The equilibrium lengths of these nanocracks are also calculated. It is shown that the equilibrium lengths of nanocracks can be comparable to the grain size. As a consequence, these nanocracks can coalesce, thus eventually resulting in the brittle fracture of nanoceramic materials.